Today’s Fancy Farm Picnic features governor, media hoopla

It’s a big election year in Kentucky, and the state’s political season launches as always in a tiny Graves County hamlet today.

The 143rd Fancy Farm Picnic began locally on Friday night with a fish fry and 5K run, but national media attention really begins this afternoon while St. Jerome Church goes about its annual business of serving up tons of barbecue pork and mutton to thousands of foodies and political junkies from across the Commonwealth.

The spotlight turned brightly to Graves County several weeks ago when both of Kentucky’s gubernatorial candidates confirmed they will take part in the traditional political speaking this afternoon. Governor Andy Beshear and Attorney General Daniel Cameron will be joined by a full slate of incumbents and candidates for several statewide offices, including:

U.S. Congressman James Comer
Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman and challenger Robby Mills
Secretary of State Michael Adams and challenger Buddy Wheatley
Attorney general candidates Russell Coleman and Pam Stevenson
State Senator Jason Howell
State Representative Richard Heath
Auditor Mike Harmon and candidates Allison Ball and Kim Reeder
Ag commissioner Ryan Quarles and candidates Jonathan Shell and Sierra Enlow

With the high profile governor’s race featured, at least two national news networks have made plans to cover the event, and you can expect several busloads of backers for both parties adding volume to the already spirited stump speeches.

Of course, many will steer clear of the politics and focus on the picnic itself. Barbecue by the pound is on sale, and the home-cooked meal will be served in the Knights of Columbus Hall from 11am until 7pm. Live music is on stage until 10 p.m. when the closing raffles are held, all to raise operating funds for St. Jerome Church.

The full schedule of today’s activities can be found at their Facebook page .